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Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

Thank you, Linguist Farmer, for your prompt reply. I have been thinking about this all night. May I share my humble thoughts and get your expert evaluation? (1) They shot him dead. ("dead" = objective complement of "him.") (2) He was shot dead. ("dead" = subjective complement of "He.") (3)Therefore, might "He was found shot dead" = something such as: He + was found + to have been shot + dead. (a) was found = copula (b) to have been shot dead = infinitive phrase referring to "He." I can't diagram it here, but there would be a slanting line in front of "dead" to signify its reference to "He." When you get time, could you comment on my humble efforts? Thank you.

Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

"found (to have been) shot"
"shot (to be) dead"
He was found (to have been) shot (i.e. caused) (to be) dead.
Yes, I think I agree with your solution.
I find that often infinitives of the verb "to be" can be inserted in sentences to clarify what is going on -- especially with objective complements.
I think there is a class of verbs called causitive, e.g. "The sun made (caused to be) the tomatoes ripe.
If we can achieve Kondorosi's skill in diagrammin online, this will be easier.
lf

Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

Originally Posted by Frank Antonson

"found (to have been) shot"
"shot (to be) dead"
He was found (to have been) shot (i.e. caused) (to be) dead.
Yes, I think I agree with your solution.
I find that often infinitives of the verb "to be" can be inserted in sentences to clarify what is going on -- especially with objective complements.
I think there is a class of verbs called causitive, e.g. "The sun made (caused to be) the tomatoes ripe.
If we can achieve Kondorosi's skill in diagrammin online, this will be easier.
lf

Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

Originally Posted by TheParser

Thank you, Linguist Farmer, for your prompt reply. I have been thinking about this all night. May I share my humble thoughts and get your expert evaluation? (1) They shot him dead. ("dead" = objective complement of "him.") (2) He was shot dead. ("dead" = subjective complement of "He.") (3)Therefore, might "He was found shot dead" = something such as: He + was found + to have been shot + dead. (a) was found = copula (b) to have been shot dead = infinitive phrase referring to "He." I can't diagram it here, but there would be a slanting line in front of "dead" to signify its reference to "He." When you get time, could you comment on my humble efforts? Thank you.

Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

Originally Posted by Kondorosi

My interpretation:

I have read your various posts and know that you invite other viewpoints. (1) I'm pleased that you also considered "was found" as a linking verb. But I have trouble accepting "shot" as the subject complement. Surely, "dead" refers to "He." Furthermore, I find it strange to say that "dead" (an adjective) is put on the so-called "adverb line." If we accept "shot" as the subject complement (an adjective), then you are modifying it with another adjective (dead). Is there the possibility that we are dealing with ellipsis. They found him. He was shot dead. Clearly, "dead" refers to "He." As I suggested to the Linguist Farmer, could it be something like: He was found (to have been shot -- dead). "to have been shot dead" = infinitive phrase that refers to "He" (He to have been shot dead" ("dead" clearly pointing to "He"). Thanks for considering my humble petition.

Re: Please analyze "found shot dead"

***NOT A TEACHER*** Excellent point, Linguist Farmer. But in that sense, "dead" = completely (He is completely right). But surely "He was shot dead" does not mean "He was completely shot." As you said in another post, this IS fun!